John Geggie's Ottawa Jazzfest must-see shows

Ask Ottawa bassist (and jam session stalwart) John Geggie for, say, three or five TD Ottawa Jazz Festival recommendations and he comes up with seven. Here’s what he sent me:

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The Bad Plus, June 21: These are very creative and knowledgeable players doing Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, one of my favourite pieces (also a really seminal piece in the 20th Century orchestral repertoire).

Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, June 23: A wonderful band of great New York players (including Ottawa native Mike Fahie on trombone) and DJA’s compositions are really lovely.

Bill Frisell, June 24 and 25: I have been a huge fan for such a long time and I love his rhythm section of Tony Scherr and Kenny Wollesen

Norma Winstone, June 27: A golden voice and a lovely clarity to the trio sound. Again, I have been a huge fan of her music and her creativity for such a long time.

Jeff Ballard Trio with Miguel Zenón and Lionel Loueke, June 28: Quite the all-star trio. Jeff is a such a creative drummer in and out of the tradition.

Ambrose Akinmusire Quintet, June 28: Another amazing band of younger players who sound so solid together. I have only heard things of his so I am looking forward to checking out the group.

David Virelles, June 29: Yet another really strong trio. His recent CD Continuum is great and his compositions are very compelling.

John Geggie is in the house band for the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival’s nightly jam sessions, which take place June 20 to 30 at the Novotel Hotel. The music starts at 10:30 p.m.

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